Planner II

Westbank First Nation Inc.; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Municipal Pension Plan

Health and dental coverage

Flexible time-off

Job summary

Westbank First Nation is seeking a Planner II to handle intermediate professional and technical duties in land use and development planning. The role addresses complex applications, surveys compliance with laws, and coordinates public consultations.

Requirements include a planning degree, 3 years of experience and familiarity with FN/government settings. The salary range and benefits reflect a strong total rewards package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field
• Minimum of 3 years experience in planning
• Membership or eligibility for CIP preferred
• IAP2 certification an asset
• Planning experience in FN or local government setting required
• Proficiency with MS Office and ESRI ArcView

Responsibilities

• Lead and process complex land use and development applications
• Evaluate compliance with WFN laws and policies
• Prepare reports, development agreements and cost estimates
• Provide information to developers, residents and public regarding planning requirements
• Engage with external agencies and participate in community planning initiatives
• Represent WFN on regional planning committees when required
• Coordinate public consultation materials and public participation efforts
• Support long-range and current planning policy development
• Build relationships with internal departments and local governments
• Attend meetings and public engagement events

Skills

Planning expertise

Zoning & land use

Public participation

Project management

Communication skills

GIS/ GIS software

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning

CIP membership or eligibility

IAP2 Public Participation Certification (asset)

Experience in First Nation/local government settings

MS Office and ESRI ArcView proficiency

Tools

GIS applications

MS Office

ESRI ArcView

Job description

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy, strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Planner II performs a variety of intermediate level professional and technical duties and is responsible for a wide variety of current and long-range planning assignments. This position addresses complex land use and development applications. The Planner II performs a variety of complex professional planning duties such as reviewing zoning/land use and development applications to ensure compliance with appropriate regulations and legislation; preparing reports, permits and laws; assisting with policy development; and coordinating public consultation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or post‑secondary degree in a related field
• Minimum of 3 years experience in planning
• Membership, or eligibility for membership, in the Canadian Institute of Planners is preferred
• Public Participation Training Certification (IAP2) from the International Association for Public Participation is an asset
• Planning experience in a first nation, local government setting or equivalent is required
• Experience with a variety of computer software programs such as the Microsoft Office, ESRI ArcView
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered

REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to Westbank First Nation (WFN)
• Valid B.C. Driver’s License and acceptable driving abstract is required
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILTIES

• Leads, reviews and processes complex applications for residential, commercial, and light industrial developments as it pertains to land use/zoning amendments, subdivision, and development applications
• Evaluates compliance of applications with Westbank First Nation (WFN) laws, policies and external agencies as required
• Evaluates applications for Community/Neighborhood Plan amendments
• Prepares and presents reports to Council and other committees as required
• Prepares and processes development agreements, related reports, project specifications, schedules, and cost estimates
• Provides information and assistance to developers, the business community, WFN members, WFN residents and public in regard to planning, zoning, land use, subdivision, permit requirements, and other development related matters
• Liaises with external agencies and engages in a broad spectrum of community planning initiatives ranging from housing, land use, transportation, environmental, and urban design
• Receives process payments and securities for development applications and authorizes the release of securities where appropriate
• Conducts planning research and supports in preparing reports for capital projects
• Assists within the Planning and Development Department in the preparation of long range and current planning policies, laws, amendments and reports
• Builds strong working relationships with WFN internal departments and local government municipalities
• Participates in a variety of Committees as assigned and attends meetings, public information/engagement meetings/events, and Council meetings
• Represents WFN on regional planning related committees when required
• Prepares Public Consultation Materials and facilitates public participation in the planning process
• Reviews and conducts site visit field inspections including reviewing and monitoring inspection reports
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, the public, developers, and other WFN staff and stakeholders
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with WFN policies, standards, and procedures and as directed by the Manager of Planning & Development

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning and design
• Sound knowledge of applicable WFN, municipal, provincial, and federal legislation
• Experience in processing applications of varying complexity along with the organizational ability to lead and mentor teams that manage multiple assignments while adapting to fluctuating workloads and deadlines
• Strong project management, problem solving and time management skills and problem-solving skills, supported by the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the public, developers and other WFN staff and stakeholders
• Outstanding verbal and written communication including demonstrated public relations and presentation skills
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Proficiency in related computer and GIS applications
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment to investigate and develop solutions to planning matters.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including facilitation, problem resolution and mentoring

The Salary Range for this position is $64,757.62 to $97,136.43

Westbank First Nation offers a competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and long-term success. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to participate in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan with a 9.31% employer contribution following the eligibility period along with comprehensive extended health and dental coverage.

Our unique and generous flexible time‑off provisions are designed to promote work–life–family balance and overall wellness. At WFN, we also prioritize continuous growth and leadership development by investing in meaningful education and professional development opportunities that support both individual advancement and organizational excellence.

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday, August 16th, 2026

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to qualified WFN Members & Indigenous applicants.